Method and apparatus for classifying core biopsy specimens with optical coherence tomography

Abstract

Described herein are an apparatus and method by which at least one core specimen is obtained from a patient. The specimen is optionally placed on a tray, in a holder, or in another device designed to hold the tissue specimen; images of the specimens are acquired with optical coherence tomography, optical coherence tomography image data and, optionally, data from an additional imaging or analysis method, and when analyzed with the tissue classification process yield information on one or more of: the adequacy of the specimens obtained; the likelihood that they contain abnormal or malignant tissue; the regions and/or specimens most likely to contain diagnostic tissue; the approximate dimensions, area, or volume of the abnormal tissue; and the probable type of abnormality.

We claim: 
     
       1. A method for classifying core biopsy specimens, the method comprising:
 obtaining a core biopsy specimen with a core needle; 
 transferring the core biopsy specimen to a specimen holder coupled to the core needle, wherein the specimen holder comprises a plurality of segments and transferring the core biopsy specimen to the specimen holder comprises transferring the core biopsy specimen to a first segment of the plurality of segments, and wherein the first segment is located adjacent to the core needle; 
 acquiring image data from the core biopsy specimen with an optical coherence tomography system coupled to the specimen holder; 
 applying a tissue classification process to the acquired image data; 
 providing feedback to a user based on the tissue classification process; 
 acquiring one or more of patient demographic data, clinical data, and prior imaging data from patient records; 
 assessing the acquired data in combination with the acquired optical coherence tomography image data from the core biopsy specimen; 
 moving the specimen holder so that the first segment is no longer adjacent to the core needle and a second segment of the plurality of segments is adjacent to the core needle; 
 obtaining a second core biopsy specimen with the core needle; 
 transferring the second core biopsy specimen to the second segment; and 
 repeating the acquiring, applying, and providing steps for the second core biopsy specimen. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein moving the specimen holder so that the first segment is no longer adjacent to the core needle and a second segment of the plurality of segments is adjacent to the core needle comprises rotating the specimen holder about an axis that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the core needle. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising using an output from the tissue classification process to spatially direct the acquisition of additional biopsy specimens.